Failed a class, here are my stats, input please

[eamuscatuli]

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[Salient]

What class did you fail, and why did you fail it?

 

[eamuscatuli]

Psychological Assessment, it's a beast of a class and I wasn't the only one. I failed it because I was having trouble concentrating with all the anxiety that comes along with realizing I dont' want to be a clinical psychologist. I know that probably sounds like a terrible excuse, but I've been incredibly unhappy pretty much from the moment I started. Since then, I've seen my doctor and he prescribed anxiety medication, which has really helped me regain control. It's prescribed as temporary, so this will likely not be a permanent thing.

I got scared about medical school debt, which is why I never went for it. Clearly I made a mistake.

 

[BigEast55]

Psychological Assessment, it's a beast of a class and I wasn't the only one. I failed it because I was having trouble concentrating with all the anxiety that comes along with realizing I dont' want to be a clinical psychologist. I know that probably sounds like a terrible excuse, but I've been incredibly unhappy pretty much from the moment I started. Since then, I've seen my doctor and he prescribed anxiety medication, which has really helped me regain control. It's prescribed as temporary, so this will likely not be a permanent thing.

I got scared about medical school debt, which is why I never went for it. Clearly I made a mistake.

I'm sure this was very difficult to go through, but I really think you are going to need to polish that explanation. Really you need to take some responsibility for it. It shows maturity.

 

[Bernoull]

I think ur biggest challenge/obstacle is quitting ur grad program and not the failed class. ADCOMs want students to complete their current programs of study, u'd need a very good explanation to allay their concerns. U may want to talk to some schools u're interested in, and see how they'll view ur early exit from ur grad program BEFORE U ACTUALLY QUIT.

ugrad gpa and more important that grad gpa

 

[StudyShy]

How much longer do you have to go if you did complete your graduate degree?

 

[Ladoctora44]

I don't think MD is out of the question, especially if you can completely own the MCAT. 3.7 is not a bad undergrad GPA and although it's not great, you only failed one Grad class. So, if that's your one "red flag" you can find an attractive way to explain it in your application and interviews. You have lots of good research experience, volunteerism, and shadowing. I think you are going to be fine. Do your best on the MCAT!

 

[indya]

the fact that you failed a non-science grad course will have little weight on your application. your ugrad GPA is great, but I am assuming that you havent taken most of the pre-reqs yet as a psych degree probably didn't require them. What are your grades in science courses in ugrad?

 

[eamuscatuli]

I think ur biggest challenge/obstacle is quitting ur grad program and not the failed class. ADCOMs want students to complete their current programs of study, u'd need a very good explanation to allay their concerns. U may want to talk to some schools u're interested in, and see how they'll view ur early exit from ur grad program BEFORE U ACTUALLY QUIT.

ugrad gpa and more important that grad gpa

While I do agree with you, I'm trying to make the best possible decision for all individuals involved. This decision effects more than just me.

1. I need a year to finish prereqs and a year to apply. If I get my masters, that'll take three years (and no, I can't do prereqs while doing my masters).

2. I'm being paid by the university, which has a limited amount of money for students. If I leave, I save them money, and that money can also go to a student that WANTS to be in their program.

3. I need to be honest with my advisor, as her lab depends on the graduate students she has. If I up and leave three years from now without prior notice, that would be unprofessional and would effect her because she expected me to be there another two or three years. If I tell her now and leave now, she can plan for this by taking on an extra student this application cycle.

4. I can't tell her I'm leaving and unhappy, then expect funding for the next two years either. I also can't afford to pay for it on my own right now either. I'm not too keen on taking on an extra 60k in debt BEFORE medical school.


I realize that it looks bad to leave your program before getting a masters, but I'm trying to do what's best for everybody.

 

[eamuscatuli]

How much longer do you have to go if you did complete your graduate degree?

After this year, two years.

 

[Bernoull]

While I do agree with you, I'm trying to make the best possible decision for all individuals involved. This decision effects more than just me.

1. I need a year to finish prereqs and a year to apply. If I get my masters, that'll take three years (and no, I can't do prereqs while doing my masters).

2. I'm being paid by the university, which has a limited amount of money for students. If I leave, I save them money, and that money can also go to a student that WANTS to be in their program.

3. I need to be honest with my advisor, as her lab depends on the graduate students she has. If I up and leave three years from now without prior notice, that would be unprofessional and would effect her because she expected me to be there another two or three years. If I tell her now and leave now, she can plan for this by taking on an extra student this application cycle.

4. I can't tell her I'm leaving and unhappy, then expect funding for the next two years either. I also can't afford to pay for it on my own right now either. I'm not too keen on taking on an extra 60k in debt BEFORE medical school.


I realize that it looks bad to leave your program before getting a masters, but I'm trying to do what's best for everybody.

you make good points, but u make be rationalizing also. First off, I still suggest dat u talk to med schools FIRST BEFORE MAKING A MOVE. U need to make a INFORMED decision and understand the implications of quitting ur program on med sch admissions. From personal esp, I was in a MS program and nearly didn't graduate on time for matriculation but all my acceptances were conditioned, in part, on completing my MS.

I just don't want u to have any delusions about the negative impacts that quitting ur program will have on admissions. The worst outcome would be losing ur grad program and jeopardizing med sch in the process, so again call them and get feedback.

Can u walk away with MS rather than PhD? And yes u can fulfill prereqs n MS, it might 3 rather than 2 yrs... I worked f/t, did an Engineering MS and prereqs in 3 yrs so its doable although social life does take a hit....

Goodluck

 

[eamuscatuli]

you make good points, but u make be rationalizing also. First off, I still suggest dat u talk to med schools FIRST BEFORE MAKING A MOVE. U need to make a INFORMED decision and understand the implications of quitting ur program on med sch admissions. From personal esp, I was in a MS program and nearly didn't graduate on time for matriculation but all my acceptances were conditioned, in part, on completing my MS.

I just don't want u to have any delusions about the negative impacts that quitting ur program will have on admissions. The worst outcome would be losing ur grad program and jeopardizing med sch in the process, so again call them and get feedback.

Can u walk away with MS rather than PhD? And yes u can fulfill prereqs n MS, it might 3 rather than 2 yrs... I worked f/t, did an Engineering MS and prereqs in 3 yrs so its doable although social life does take a hit....

Goodluck

Thanks, I appreciate your help. I've got a list of schools I'm thinking of applying to, so I'll make sure I contact them.

 

[Bernoull]

Thanks, I appreciate your help. I've got a list of schools I'm thinking of applying to, so I'll make sure I contact them.

ur welcome, pm me if i can be of further help.